Classic Game Programming on the NES

Build your own retro games for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

From Super Mario Bros to The Legend of Zelda, games of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) defined the childhoods of millions. Now with the power of modern tools you can start creating NES games of your very own! This all-practical beginner's guide will show you how to get started, with guidance on everything from graphics and music, to the Assembler language needed to get the most out of the NES, to enemy AI.

Inside Classic Game Programming on the NES you’ll learn how to:

• Use the 6502 Assembler language to create your own game
• Create and display tile and sprite graphics
• Play sound effects and music
• Design and develop your own action game from scratch

Do you have an amazing idea for a NES game you’ve been itching to turn into reality? Classic Game Programming on the NES will show you how! You don’t need any game development experience or specialist programming skills. You don’t need a team of developers and graphic artists. This one-stop guide teaches you everything you need to know, step-by-step.

About the book

Classic Game Programming on the NES is a comprehensive guide to developing your first retro game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It brings together the scattered secrets of NES development, distilling them into clear instructions on how to get started, what your game needs to work, and what tools you’ll need to use. Learn about the NES’s awesome and unique architecture, the surprisingly simple 6502 Assembler language, game logic, and more. Throughout, all concepts are illustrated with a simple space-based shoot-em-up that’s based on the awesome Astrosmash game reminiscent of games from your childhood.

About the reader

For anyone interested in building their own retro games! No programming experience required.

About the author

Tony Cruise has worked in IT and application development for over 40 years, starting with programming and releasing games for multiple 8-bit systems in the 80’s. He is the author of over 100 titles, books and magazine articles. Today Tony is actively writing new games, utilities and creating resources for other developers working with 8 and 16-bit systems.